Let's just say the Patriots' top two draft picks, tackle Caleb Lomu and edge Gabe Jacas, didn't light the world on fire in their preseason debuts against the Colts.
But it was far from a disaster for both of them, as you'll see in the film analysis below. For Lomu, most of his errors came from minor technique issues, like trying to help too much on a combo block or not sorting out quickly enough who he probably should have blocked. For example, he missed a cut block on the second play of the game. It ended up in a Mack Hollins reception, but it could have been a disaster against NFL starters. Those mistakes are going to happen in your first full-speed action since the college season ended. Linemen don't cut their teammates during practices, so that was hard to rep. The good news is, Lomu executed a cut block well later in the game.
For Jacas, he just looked extremely raw ... like he missed the offseason in a contract dispute and is playing catch-up. His instincts were nonexistent, and he was just running around like a chicken with his head cut off. He played right into a little tight end screen when he tore up field, instead of realizing the tight end was turning him loose and getting into the throwing lane. Twice, he fell for the read option fake and allowed Anthony Richardson to make easy gains, including one for 22 yards. Jacas had a hard time, at times, playing his assignment, and he inexplicably missed a tackle right in front of him. But it wasn't all bad. He showed his strength by setting the edge well a couple of times. And he deftly avoided the right tackle to force a running play into a small gain.
The more concerning aspect of Jacas' debut, which carried over from practice, is that his pass rush is very raw. I didn't have him for one pressure in this game, not even on the interception. I don't think he affected Richardson's throw, which should have been a completion — the receiver dropped the ball to Kindle Vildor. Jesse Luketa (1.5 pressures) and Bradyn Swinson (1.5), especially (Amari Gainer also had a pressure), showed way more in the pass rush department than Jacas on the edge.
We do know he is behind the others because he missed the entire offseason. We also know that he looks the part of a rocked-up edge player, and he has the physical skills. How quickly can his knowledge and instincts catch up so Jacas can be a meaningful contributor this season? We shall see. It's still very early.
A look at Lomu and Jacas on film:
Here are positional thoughts against the Colts:
OFFENSE
Quarterback
I did not think Tommy DeVito was very good in this game — he's been way better in the practices. He missed way too many throws (seven) in this game, and he was kind of all over the place. High to Jam Miller, Mack Hollins (twice), low to Eli Raridon and Kyle Williams; he also "grossly underthrew" (Mike Vrabel's words) on what should have been another Williams touchdown, and DeVito threw behind Kobe Prentice. ... DeVito's best play was the 48-yard bomb to Cameron Dorner while the QB was getting killed. But three linemen took Ls on the play — James Hudson was blatantly illegally downfield like it was a blocking a run, while Lomu and Andrew Rupcich were soundly beaten — to negate the best play of the game. ... DeVito's other plus throws were the TD to Williams, and the 18-yard out to the former third-round pick. ... I was impressed with Behren Morton's poise. Calmly picked up two third downs to Prentice and Tehjan Palmer, and had a nice 19-yard pass to Prentice. Missed Lan Larison low.
Running backs
I wanted to see more than five snaps of Hassan Haskins since he produced three good runs, including a broken tackle and a 13-yarder, but he did just get here. His playbook, I'm sure, was limited. He looked more like Terrell Jennings (IR) than anyone, so keep an eye on that. ... Jam Miller also continued his confident running from practice, where he's shown better vision and cutback ability than TreVeyon Henderson in few opportunities. That will likely change now. ... Lan Larison didn't show me anything with a hurry and stuffed run (3rd and 2). It was there for him to pick it up. He has to find a way, shoot the hole.
Receivers
Kyle Williams showed who he is at this point. He has great releases (touchdown) and can be elusive with the ball in his hand (broken tackle). His OPI call was a little unfair, but he needs to be better on that. And while Williams should have had another TD when DeVito underthrew him, Vrabel's right that Williams needs to stop and fight back for the ball in an attempt to draw a flag. I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it, but he, in essence, quit on the play. He's better than that. ... All the other receivers had their moments, especially Dorner and Palmer — both showed plus game speed on film. ... Tanner Arkin disappointed with his blocking, but only from the fullback position. Couldn't get his assignments sorted out, especially in conjunction with Efton Chism, who was basically a disaster blocking (BS penalty, two stuffs and a hurry in the end zone). Arkin did have a really nice block to spring a run from the TE spot coming across the formation.
Offensive line
These guys pretty much showed what they have in practice. ... Thought Marcus Bryant was far and away the best lineman in the game, both pass and run blocking. He's really taken a step this year. ... Ben Brown (before his injury ... just looked like he got leg-whipped a little) and Andrew Rupcich (he's pretty limited as an athlete) were also solid. ... Everybody else was not good enough. The days are numbered for James Hudson (although he was better at tackle), JonDarius Morgan, Mehki Butler and Lorenz Metz, but someone needs to play the second half of these games. The Patriots need guard help in here ASAP. ... Dametrious Crownover continues to show promise as a small project. Too many tools to part with.
DEFENSE
Defensive line
I really dislike how much the Patriots blitz in these games (had them for seven max blitzes). Don't you want to evaluate what they can do one-on-one? ... Jeremiah Pharms (team-high 4.5 pressures) has always been able to affect the QB since he's been here. He's just small. ... Bradyn Swinson physically and his play looks completely different from his rookie campaign. Have a hard time seeing him not making this team. ... Jesse Luketa keeps getting after it on the edge with good speed and some strength. ... Amari Gainer makes a couple of plays for both teams. Like Jacas, he's undisciplined but has some tools.
Linebackers
KJ Britt (forced fumble on Richardson) was all over the field in his limited snaps, although I think he plays from a position that is a step too deep. ... Khalil Jacobs got off to a slow start, especially in the pass game (he blew a coverage and picked Chad Muma once), but the more he played, the better he got. He was a minus-2 in the first half, but a plus-5 in the second. And it wasn't the competition. You can tell he's smart and diagnoses quickly. ... Muma looked really slow in the open field.
Secondary
Karon Prunty, Dell Pettus and James Saunders jumped out as looking the part as NFL players. Those guys should be able to stand out against backups, and they did. ... Saunders is really coming on and is a real threat to make this team. He looks like a natural at safety, and could very well be the long-term replacement for Kevin Byard if he keeps this up. It could be at the expense of Mike Brown ... Prunty did a great job getting off a block in a quick game and making the stop on third down. ... CB Channing Canada teamed with Dell Pettus to stop a touchdown, but he gave up too much in the pass game. He'll need to pick that up to make the team. ... Telling that Kindle Vildor only played eight snaps. They must view him as the top CB backup.
FOUR UP
DT Jeremiah Pharms: The Bullfrog knows how to impact preseason games. Happens every year.
LT Marcus Bryant: A clean sheet in the pass game, and only knocked him for one run block.
DE Bradyn Swinson: Six plus plays, 1.5 QB hits including a hit to cause an interception, 1.5 stuffed runs (fumble) and a batted pass. That's having an impact on the edge.
RB Jam Miller: Not much big play ability, but he's just smooth.
FOUR DOWN
ED Gabe Jacas: Had one good play vs. the run, and that was about it. Looked OK vs. the RT, but did nothing against the LT.
OL James Hudson: Four QB pressures is way too much against backups.
WR Efton Chism: Really, really struggled to block. And he's usually not bad at it.
RT Caleb Lomu: Lots to clean up, but most of it is minor. Would like to see him get a lot nastier in the run game as well.